The chief officer of justice within a county is naturally found in combination: thus SHERIFF’S PICTURE FRAME = the hangman’s noose: see NUBBING-CHEAT; SHERIFF’S-JOURNEYMAN = a hangman; SHERIFF’S BALL = an execution: whence TO DANCE AT THE SHERIFF’S BALL AND LOLL OUT ONE’S TONGUE AT THE COMPANY = to hang; SHERIFF’S BRACELETS = handcuffs; SHERIFF’S HOTEL = a prison (GROSE).
1824. P. EGAN, Boxiana, iii. 622.
| All in the SHERIFF’S PICTURE FRAME the call: | |
| Exalted high, Dick parted with his flame, | |
| And all his comrades swore that he dy’d game. |
